n.e.w.s. is a collective online platform for the analysis and development of art-related activity, drawing upon contributions from around the globe, bringing together different voices, accents and outlooks from the North, East, West and South. | Read more..

Open Call: Shadow Search

October 15-November 22 2009 Continuing our research on our forthcoming book 'Arbitrating Attention: reinvesting attention surplus in plausible artworlds' that rethinks the social and economic conditions of art and explores alternative models of remuneration, n.e.w.s. will interact with the dynamic entrepreneurial, academic and scientific community CIS in Bangalore. Imagining “new social and economic contexts for art” this open seminar, brainstorming session and prize-awarding event brings together interested students, professionals and motivated institutions in working to solve the following conundrum: Pertaining to the research we are conducting at n.e.w.s. in our forthcoming book, it is very important to be able to find art and artists that reflect the spirit of the query rather than just its literal content. We want to explore the use of natural-language search algorithms that are able to find people and activities that embody the self-understanding of the kind of art we are seeking without specifically using the word art or a related vocabulary. In particular this search engine would allow prospectors in the world of information and databases to discover ‘shadow art activities’ that are partially hidden, off-the-radar, stealthy.

Open Call for proposals

Cash prize: €1000 (the jury reserves the right not to award the prize if no submission fits the bill) Form can be found here. All submissions will be published online (with the exception of personal details). Please see send all entries to: shadow@northeastwestsouth.net The selection procedure will take place over several stages:

15 October 2009 : Call goes out, submissions can be uploaded at n.e.w.s.

In regards to the social and economic status of art today I think it needs to be rethought and taught in a different way to younger crowds. I feel as though art is seen as a highly sophisticated thing that only rich people or super hoity toity people look at, study or appreciate. Art in my mind though is simply a means of expression that should be open to anybody. I enjoy looking at different art with friends but not in the ultra chic sense that I see so many people treating it as.